Newcastle United are yet to break the deadlock in contract negotiations with Matty Longstaff, according to the Chronicle.
It had been reported that Longstaff would sign a new deal in the coming weeks, as the club were keen to secure his future with his current terms due to expire in the summer.
Toon chiefs also want to reward the younger of the Longstaff brothers with a contract more befitting of his role in Steve Bruce’s plans, now that the 19-year-old has broken into the senior fold at St. James’ Park rather than being a member of the development squad.
However, the Chronicle have noted that talks are yet to reach a stage where terms have been agreed, even though Bruce is eager for the rising star’s future to be tied down.
Longstaff’s status has also begun attracting interest from around Europe, with clubs from abroad able to land his services on a pre-contract agreement come January and for a compensation fee of just £400,000.
Sides from France’s Ligue 1 and Spain’s La Liga are said to be preparing scouting missions on Longstaff at England’s Under 20s clash with Portugal on Thursday night, should the midfielder make his Young Lions debut.
Portuguese powerhouse duo FC Porto and SL Benfica are also said to be sending talent spotters to the fixture, which will be England’s penultimate U20 game of the year before facing Iceland on Tuesday, November 19.
Who is more important to Bruce?
Matty Longstaff
Sean Longstaff
Longstaff made his senior Newcastle debut against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup in August before earning his top-flight bow at home to Manchester United last month, where he scored the match-winning goal.
He has since been listed on the bench for our last two Premier League games, having featured in our 1-0 defeat at Chelsea and 1-1 draw with Wolves.